Saturday, November 12, 2016

November 12, 1932 -- The president of the Chicago Historical Society,
Charles B. Pike, dedicates the society’s new building in a ceremony that is
“long on dignity but short on oratory.” [Chicago
Tribune, November 13, 1932] Pike
says, “We stand here today at the portals of a building expressive of its
purpose, ready to open it to the public.
We are looking through the trees of Lincoln park to the waters of Lake
Michigan and St. Gauden’s statue of the Great Emancipator . . . Lincoln belongs
to the ages. So also do Columbus and
Washington. Housed in this building are
relics of all of them, and many others who influenced the shaping of America’s
destinies.” First in the door is Miss
Rhea Zugenbuehler of Maywood who pays a quarter to enter. Anyone who shows up on Mondays, Wednesdays or
Fridays will be admitted for free.